{"id":74084,"date":"2023-08-23T16:18:12","date_gmt":"2023-08-23T10:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/instaastro.com\/blog\/?p=74084"},"modified":"2023-09-08T16:00:24","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T10:30:24","slug":"thanjavur-periya-kovil-temple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/instaastro.com\/blog\/thanjavur-periya-kovil-temple\/","title":{"rendered":"Thanjavur Periya Kovil: Explore the Cultural Heritage of Chola Dynasty"},"content":{"rendered":"

We have heard about many temples that are years old and hold great significance in recent times. There are several temples and pilgrimage sites that fascinate visitors. Among them comes one of the most famous and incredible temples in the Southern part of India, known as Thanjavur Periya Kovil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Along with that comes the structure and the vision of the architect that reflects in the beauty of the temple. This temple, also known as Brihadeeswarar or Rajarajeswaram, is a magnificent Hindu temple. It is located in Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is well-known for its architectural magnificence, historical significance, and cultural heritage.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Historical Significance of Thanjavur Periya Kovil Temple<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

During the reign of the Chola dynasty’s greatest monarch, Rajaraja Chola I, in the 11th century, the construction of the Brihadeshwarar Temple took place. They completed the temple in 1010 AD, dedicating it to Lord Shiva. Rajaraja Chola I ordered the temple’s construction as a celebration of his victory over the Chalukya dynasty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, the construction of the temple commenced in 1003 and concluded in 1010 AD, showcasing the Dravidian Architecture Style. This temple took seven years to complete. Most importantly, Chola Dynasty has left its legacy as it remained an essential place for people to worship. Brihadeshwarar Temple also received global recognition when designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging its brilliant architecture and great historical significance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, visiting this temple helps individuals gain knowledge about history and appreciate past achievements. The architects have designed the temple with beautiful cravings and statues that depict various mythological and religious themes. Furthermore, paintings and portraits of gods and goddesses cover the walls of the temple. Not only that, it also has scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unique Thanjavur Temple Architecture\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

The unbelievable architecture of the Thanjavur temple inside will amaze you when you learn about this fact. This temple is no less than a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. It is one of the finest examples of Chola architecture. <\/span>Well, the Thanjai Periya Kovil height is around 216 feet (66 meters), and it is one of the tallest temple towers in the world.\u00a0<\/span>Moreover, the Vimana has been constructed uniquely because of its single-stone usage. Placing the stone used to build the towers, which weighs around 80 tons, at the top.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Did you know the entire temple is granite and is the world’s first granite temple? This rock is very hard, durable, and has the ability to withstand. So this is the reason why it became an ideal choice for the construction of this holy place. You might not believe it, but the construction of the entire temple required approximately 1,30,000 tonnes of granite. <\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, the temple also has a massive Nandi statue, which is over 6 meters tall and weighs around 25 tonnes. The temple’s design is based on the principles of Vastu Shastra and features multiple courtyards, pillared halls, and sanctums. The main shrine contains a massive lingam, standing over 3 meters tall and is one of the largest in the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Besides that, the most outstanding feature is the large Brihadeshwara temple Shivling. The Shivling, made of black granite, stands at a height of 12 feet. Every corner of this temple is so mesmerising and thus draws devotees’ attention worldwide. Anyone interested in history, culture, or religion must visit this destination.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of Visiting Brihadeshwara Temple<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

Visiting the Thanjavur big temple or the Brihadeeswarar Temple can benefit the mind, spirit, and overall well-being. Here are some advantages of experiencing this remarkable temple:<\/span><\/p>\n